Sgt. Glenn Fossa credited research done by Deputy Police Chief Phil Kearns and the recommendations of a fleet committee within the department for its purchase of four Police Interceptor utility vehicles. They are modeled after the Ford Explorer and boast six-cylinder engines and all-wheel drive.

"The Police Department has evolved," said Fossa.

Fossa said the utility vehicles can conquer rough or steep terrain more effectively than sedans and provide more protection and enhanced safety for officers traveling in them. They also possess more storage space and travel with things like road cones and First-Aid kits. Fossa said the rear storage space is a more sterile environment than the trunk of a sedan because it is all one compartment.

The added height of the rear door makes it easier to insert prisoners, many of whom struggle when being placed inside and try to bar their bodies against the doorway. He said the larger doorways make that job easier and will improve officer safety.

The department is trading in four Crown Victorias as part of the purchase. He said some of those vehicles have been with the department for 10 years and have logged up to 140,000 miles.

"Which is clearly getting your money's worth," Fossa said.

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The price tag for each vehicle was about $33,000, which Fossa contrasted to $30,000 for a sedan-style cruiser. That does not include equipment costs, and that cost was not available as some equipment was being transferred from outgoing vehicles when available.

Fossa said police were able to save thousands by transferring existing equipment from the sedans to the new utility vehicles. That includes roof police lights, modems and on-board computers and some radios.

Right now the vehicles are dark blue and white in color. The Fitchburg Police Department shield decals for the doors and the police lights have yet to be installed.

Fossa said the new vehicles should be on the streets in about two weeks.

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